The Coffee Kits

The Art of Chemex Coffee Pour Over: How to Brew Like a Pro

There are many ways to brew coffee, but few methods come close to the Chemex pour over when it comes to flavor and aroma. This method has been around since the 1940s and has since gained popularity among coffee enthusiasts. In this article, we will discuss the art of Chemex coffee pour over and how to brew like a pro.

What is a Chemex?

The Chemex is a pour over coffee maker made of glass and wood. Its elegant design has made it a coffee brewing icon, and it has been on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City since 1944. The Chemex comes in different sizes, but the most popular one is the 6-cup version.

Choosing the Right Coffee Beans

The key to a great cup of Chemex coffee is choosing the right coffee beans. Look for beans that are freshly roasted and have a medium to light roast profile. Dark roasted beans are not recommended as they tend to produce bitter coffee.

Grinding the Coffee Beans

Grinding the coffee beans is an essential step in the Chemex pour over process. The coffee should be ground to a medium-coarse consistency. This will ensure that the coffee is not too fine, which can cause over-extraction, or too coarse, which can lead to under-extraction.

Prepping the Chemex

Before brewing, prepare the Chemex by placing a filter in the top chamber. Rinse the filter with hot water to remove any paper taste and heat up the vessel. Discard the rinse water before adding the ground coffee.

Brewing the Coffee

Place the ground coffee in the filter and add a small amount of hot water to wet the grounds. This is called the bloom, and it allows the coffee to release carbon dioxide, which can affect the taste. After the bloom, pour the rest of the hot water in a slow, circular motion, making sure to saturate all the grounds.

Serving the Coffee

After the coffee has finished brewing, remove the filter and pour the coffee into your cup. The Chemex is great for sharing, so pour the coffee into a carafe or another vessel if you plan on serving multiple people.

Cleaning the Chemex

Cleaning the Chemex is easy. Discard the used filter and grounds, rinse the vessel with hot water, and let it dry. The wood collar can be removed and washed separately.

Conclusion

The Chemex pour over method is a great way to brew coffee like a pro. By choosing the right beans, grinding them properly, and following the steps outlined above, you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee with a rich, full-bodied flavor and aroma. Give it a try and see for yourself why the Chemex has become a beloved coffee brewing method.